Police seek suspect after stabbing in Nanaimo, B.C.

The bus exchange on Front Street, beside Port Place Mall in downtown Nanaimo. (CTV News)

Police on Vancouver Island are searching for a suspect after a man was stabbed Thursday near a bus exchange in Nanaimo.

The local RCMP says officers were called to the Port Place shopping centre at approximately 8:30 p.m. where a man was found suffering from a stab wound to his arm.

Bystanders and first responders provided first aid before paramedics transported the victim to hospital for treatment.

A statement Friday from the Nanaimo RCMP says investigators determined the stabbing occurred near a row of benches on the south side of the mall, across from the Front Street bus exchange.

Several witnesses were in the area at the time, police said.

“While we understand that an incident like this can be concerning, we want to reassure the public that we are committing all necessary resources to identify and apprehend the person responsible,” Insp. Donovan Tait said in a statement.

Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or other suspicious activity in the area between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday to come forward.

Police are also seeking dash-camera or surveillance video from the area of the bus exchange. Anyone with relevant images or information is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.